-Disadvantage: discourages reader's use of imagination.
+Advantage: saves time
Dramatic method: author allows characters to reveal themselves by how they act and speak. Also, other characters talk about other characters; the information is not necessarily reliable.
+Advantage: characters are more lifelike; involves reader's participation.
-Disadvantage: takes more time and allows for possibility of misjudging characters.
Mixing methods: most common and most effective Development of character: does the person grow in the novel? Motivation: point where plot and characters come together;
plot is what characters do;
motivation is why they do it.
Author may stress either plot or character; it is how they blend that matters.
Methods of Character Portrayal
x
Discursive method: narrator tells their qualities
Dramatic method: author allows characters to reveal themselves by how they act and speak. Also, other characters talk about other characters; the information is not necessarily reliable.
Mixing methods: most common and most effective
Development of character: does the person grow in the novel?
Motivation: point where plot and characters come together;
Author may stress either plot or character; it is how they blend that matters.
adapted from http://www.ci.maryville.tn.us/mhs/studyskills/compguide/LitAnaChar.htm